Thousands of students of all ages from schools in Metro Manila have made cards and written letters in support of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) Asia's campaign calling for Mali the elephant to be transferred from the Manila Zoo to a sanctuary. The drawings and handwritten appeals will be delivered to President Benigno Aquino III, who has issued a directive to consider Mali's relocation.

"There's one thing that children, politicians, celebrities, animal welfare groups, and elephant experts have all agreed on: Mali needs—and deserves—to be transferred to a proper sanctuary," says PETA Asia Campaigns Manager Rochelle Regodon. "PETA hopes President Aquino will take immediate action to ensure that Mali is freed from the isolation and neglect that she has endured for 36 years."

"For long years, Mali made us happy, so please let's us make Mali happy too," says one card. "Kindly respect him and love him while he's still alive. I really wanted him to be returned where he belonged. … My heart cried and deeply hurt about his situation," said another.

At a sanctuary, Mali would have hectares of land on which to roam, rivers and ponds to bathe in, the crucial company of other elephants, and veterinary care for the potentially fatal foot problems caused by her decades-long captivity. Among the prestigious individuals and organizations that have joined PETA in calling for Mali's release are world-renowned veterinarian Dr. Henry Richardson, wildlife conservationist Dr. Jane Goodall, a dozen other elephant experts, more than 50 international animal protection groups, and 20 local nongovernmental organizations.

Images of a selection of the drawings are available at http://ow.ly/jeA7K and http://ow.ly/jeA7a. For more information, please visit PETAAsiaPacific.com.